Connection module and connector

ABSTRACT

A connection module for connecting instrumentation equipment to a fluid container. The connection module includes a jointed tapping connector. A connector includes first and second opposed jaw members. The connector includes a receiving space located substantially between the jaw members for receiving a protruded portion of a corresponding connector. The first jaw member includes a hook portion for hooking onto a formation of the protruded portion. The second jaw member includes a locking member or an opening for slideably receiving a locking member. A connector includes a protruded portion configured to be received in a receiving space between first and second opposed jaws members of a corresponding connector. The protruded portion includes a formation for receiving a hook portion of the first jaw member. The protruded portion also includes an opening or a locking member configured to slideably engage with an opening of the second jaw of the corresponding connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation of co-pending International ApplicationNo. PCT/GB05/000035 filed Jan. 5, 2006, which designated the UnitedStates, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, andwhich claims priority to Great Britain Patent Application No. 0500491.6;filed Jan. 11, 2005; Great Britain Patent Application No. 0509199.6;filed May 5, 2005; Great Britain Patent Application No. 0517924.7, filedSep. 2, 2005 and Great Britain Patent Application No. 0526431.2, filedDec. 23, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a connection module and a connector. Inparticular, the invention relates to a connector and to a connectionmodule for use in connecting instrumentation equipment to a fluidcontainer such as a process line or pressure vessel.

Within the instrumentation industry, it is necessary to take fluid froma fluid container such as a process pipeline or pressure vessel, so asto take measurements of quantities such as pressure, temperature, flowand fluid level measurements.

The instruments which are used to take such measurements are typicallyconnected to a fluid container by a system of pipes, manifolds andvalves. The connection system can include one or more tappingconnections for tapping the fluid container.

The instruments which are used to take such measurements requiremaintenance, such as calibration. In order to carry this out it isnecessary to modify the flow of the fluid between the fluid containerand the instrument.

This flow modification is currently carried out by a number of methodsall of which in some way require systems which are attached to the mainprocess apparatus by means of threaded, flanged or welded connections.Traditionally the fluid passes through an isolation valve before beingpassed through tubing, pipe work or flanges to other valves commonlyheld within a manifold block. This manifold block may either be attacheddirectly to the instrument or attached via a further system of tubing orpipe work. Known arrangements are complicated and require a large amountof time and effort to install and remove. This makes maintenance ofinstruments costly, since to remove and then reattach an instrument to afluid container can actually take longer than the calibration processitself.

A number of other problems are associated with the traditionalinstallation methods.

For example, traditional connection systems are bulky. These systemsrequire a lot of space and are weighty. Indeed, such systems requireadditional support due to their weight.

Manifold systems traditionally have small orifice sizes typically lessthan 6 mm—this can cause a number of system problems such as becomingclogged by solid particles within a system.

The phenomena known as gauge line error (GLE) is known in the industryas a potential source of error. This is caused by a combination of thedistance between the main process fluid and the instrument, the reducedbore sizes and the level of turbulence caused by the shear quantity ofconnections between the individual elements of the system. Turbulenceassociated with GLE can inhibit accurate measurement by an instrumentconnected to a fluid container. Reducing the path length for fluid flowbetween a fluid container and a instrument can reduce turbulence andtherefore GLE. Known systems struggle to provide a short path length.Longer path lengths also make leaks more probable and more difficult tofind.

Due to the distance between the fluid container and the instrument, andthe need to keep an adequate level of viscosity within the fluid, it issometimes necessary to heat the system including all manifolds andtubing or piping. This process can include a number of costly methodsincluding cladding, electrical heating systems or steam-heated systems.These systems result in additional weight, space requirements andadditional control systems resulting in higher costs.

An example of a fluid container is a pipeline. FIG. 1 shows an exampleof a pipeline 2, which includes an orifice plate assembly 10. Theorifice plate assembly 10 includes two flanges 4 forming a flangedconnection. The orifice plate assembly 10 also includes a plate 6 heldbetween the two flanges 4. The plate includes an aperture which issmaller than an inner diameter of the pipeline 2, and is thus designedto reduce the flow of the fluid passing through the pipeline 2.

In such an arrangement, fluid can be passed to an instrument via tappingpoints. In the example shown in FIG. 1, suitable tapping points areindicated by the arrows 8. These tapping points 8 are located one oneither side of the plate.

Pipelines of this kind are relatively crude in construction and thustapping connection ports provided at the tapping points 8, althoughconforming with relevant international standards, can be misaligned withrespect to one another. This misalignment can be present in all sixdegrees of freedom (three translational and three rotationaldirections). Thus, one of the tapping connectors may be misaligned withrespect to another tapping connector in any of the x, y or z directionsindicated in FIG. 1. The tapping connectors may also be misaligned inthe sense that they are skewed (angled). Accordingly, one of the tappingconnectors may be misaligned with respect to another tapping connectorin any of the rotational directions (θ_(x), θ_(y), θ_(y)) indicated inFIG. 1.

This misalignment has previously been addressed in traditionalconnection systems by simply adding additional bends to the tubing orpipe work to account for the misalignment.

Traditional connection systems include separate components that aretypically obtained from different suppliers. The different componentscan perform different functions. For example, a connection component canconnect directly to a fluid container. A manifold component includingvalves and so forth can be provided intermediate a connection componentand an instrument component. The instrument component can provide aconnection to a variety of instrument types, or can itself include aninstrument.

The components of such a system need to be inter-connectable. Forexample, a manifold block may either be attached directly to aninstrument or attached via a further system of tubing or pipe work to afluid container. The connections must ensure leak free service. Theconnections must also be capable of accepting additional loads subjectedby means of external forces. The joint should also be non-permanent toallow for maintenance.

Traditional connections between the various components of aninstrumentation system employ threaded connections or flangearrangements.

Threaded connections suffer from problems with orientation. Also, usersin the offshore industries have a tendency to doubt threaded connectionsdue to issues of crevice corrosion and other ‘hidden’ issues. Moreover,threaded connections are normally limited to small sizes up to around 50mm (2″) in diameter.

Flanged connections entail large space requirements and are weighty.Systems which use flanged connections require additional support due totheir weight.

All of the problems indicated above are exacerbated by the large numberof connections which may be required and the high operating pressures ofmany pipelines and pressure vessels. In an installation (for example arefinery) which employs many fluid containers (pressure vessels,pipelines etc.), a large number of connections may be needed to attachvarious instruments for monitoring quantities such as pressure and fluidflow. As indicated above, known connection arrangements are cumbersomeand require a large amount of time and effort for connecting anddisconnecting instruments, for example to carry out maintenance. Wheremany instruments and connections are provided, connection anddisconnection times are an important consideration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in theaccompanying independent and dependent claims. Combinations of featuresfrom the dependent claims may be combined with features of theindependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set outin the claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a connectionmodule for connecting instrumentation equipment to a fluid container.The connection module includes a jointed tapping connector.

The jointed tapping connector can be used to account for misalignmentswhen forming a tapping connection to a fluid container.

The fluid container can, for example, be a pressure vessel or a processline.

More than one jointed tapping connector can be provided. In suchexamples, each jointed tapping connector can be moveable independentlyof each other jointed tapping connector, thereby to provided additionalflexibility.

The jointed tapping connector can be configured to move in a number ofways for correcting misalignments. For example, the jointed tappingconnector can be pivotable and/or translatable.

In one embodiment, the jointed tapping connector includes a ball joint.In one embodiment, the jointed tapping connector comprises a double balljoint for additional flexibility.

A slotted positioning ring can be provided to aid orientation of thejointed tapping connector. One or more support members can be providedfor supporting the connection module against a surface of the fluidcontainer.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided aconnector. The connector includes first and second opposed jaw members.The connector also includes a receiving space located substantiallybetween the jaw members for receiving a protruded portion of acorresponding connector. The first jaw member includes a hook portionfor hooking onto a formation of the protruded portion. The second jawmember includes an opening for slideably receiving a locking member ofthe corresponding connector.

This connector provides a convenient an efficient means by which, forexample, modules in a modular connection assembly can be connectedtogether.

In one embodiment, an indicator portion can be located substantially inthe opening. In this way, when the locking member is slideably receivedin the opening, the indicator portion is displaced and at leastpartially protrudes from the opening. This serves to indicate that thelocking member is received in the opening.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided aconnector. The connector includes a protruded portion configured to bereceived in a receiving space between first and second opposed jawsmembers of a corresponding connector. The protruded portion includes aformation for receiving a hook portion of the first jaw member. Theprotruded portion also includes a locking member configured to slideablyengage with an opening of the second jaw of the corresponding connector.

In one embodiment, the locking member can be slideably mounted in anaperture of the protruded portion. The locking member can be resilientlybiased to protrude from the aperture to be slideably received in theopening of the second jaw member.

In one embodiment, the locking member comprises a threaded portion forreceiving a threaded tool. The tool can thereby be used for withdrawingthe locking member into the aperture, thus disconnecting the connectorfrom the corresponding connector.

In one embodiment, the locking member can be slideably mounted on astopping member within the aperture. Engagement of the threaded toolwith the stopping member and rotation of the threaded tool causes thelocking member to ride along the thread of the threaded tool. Thiscauses the locking member to be withdrawing into the aperture.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided aconnector. The connector includes first and second opposed jaw members.The connector also includes a receiving space located substantiallybetween the jaw members for receiving a corresponding connector. Thefirst jaw member includes a hook portion for hooking onto thecorresponding connector. The second jaw member includes a locking memberfor engaging with an opening of the corresponding connector.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided aconnector. The connector includes a protruded portion configured to bereceived in a receiving space between first and second opposed jawsmembers of a corresponding connector. The protruded portion includes aformation for receiving a hook portion of the first jaw member. Theprotruded portion also includes an opening for slideably receiving alocking member of the second jaw of the corresponding connector.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided amodular connection assembly for connecting instrumentation equipment toa fluid container. The assembly includes a connection module of the kinddescribed above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided amodule for a modular connection assembly. The connection assembly issuitable for connecting instrumentation equipment to a fluid container.The module includes a connector of the kind described above.

The module can be or can include a connection module of the kinddescribed above.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided amodular connection assembly for connecting instrumentation equipment toa fluid container. The assembly includes a module of the kind describedabove.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided apressure vessel and a modular connection assembly of the kind describedabove connected to the pressure vessel.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided aprocess line and a modular connection assembly of the kind describedabove connected to the process line.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of connecting instrumentation equipment to a fluid container. Themethod includes connecting a module of the kind described above byadjusting an orientation of the jointed tapping connector.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof connecting instrumentation equipment to a fluid container. The methodincludes hooking the hook portion of a connector of the kind describedabove on the formation of a connector of the kind described above. Themethod also includes aligning the opening to allow the locking member toslideably engage with the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference signs relate to like elements and inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a process line and indicates typicalpositions for tapping connections;

FIG. 2 shows a number of views of a connection module in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3D show a number of views of a connection module connectedto a pipeline in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a jointed tapping connector in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a slotted positioning ring for the jointed tappingconnector shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 6, 7, 8A and 8B illustrate the degrees of freedom available to thejointed tapping connector shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 shows a jointed tapping connector in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows the connectors of a connection system in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate how the connectors shown in FIG. 10 can beconnected together in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows the connectors shown in FIG. 10 in their connected state;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a modular connection system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16A and 16B illustrate a locking feature of a connection systemsuch as that shown in FIGS. 14 and 15; and

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a modular connection system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in thefollowing with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of this invention provide a connection module. Theconnection module can be incorporated into a larger system such as amodular connection assembly, which includes other components, such as aninstrument and/or one or more intermediate stages such as modulesincluding valves and manifolds. Embodiments of this invention alsoprovide a connector which is suitable for connecting together modules ofa modular connection assembly of the kind described herein.

An example of a modular connection assembly according to an embodimentof the invention, and the modules which can be included in such amodular connection assembly are described below in relation to FIGS. 2and 3A-D.

FIG. 2 shows a number of views of a connection module 20. The connectionmodule is suitable for incorporation into a modular connection assemblyas described above. The connection module includes first and secondtapping connectors 50. In this example, these are located adjacent eachother, whereby they co-extend outwardly from a manifold section 30 ofthe connection module 20. The manifold section 30 includes manifoldingwhich provides fluid communication between the tapping connectors 50 andcorresponding outlets 32.

In the present example, and as described below in relation to FIG. 3,the outlets 32 are connectable to an intermediate module of the modularconnection assembly for subsequent fluid communication with aninstrument. Fluid can thereby be passed to the instrument wherebymeasurements such as temperature and pressure measurements can beperformed. In other examples, the outlets 32 can be connected directlyto an instrument.

The manifold section 30 includes a pair of valves for sealing off a flowof fluid to the outlets 32. The valves can be operated using one of therespective levers 24 provided on the exterior of the manifold section30.

FIGS. 3A to 3D show modules of a modular connection assembly connectedto a pipeline 2. The modular connection assembly includes a connectionmodule 20 of the kind shown in FIG. 2. In this example, the connectionassembly connects directly to the flanges 4 of the pipeline 2, with onetapping connector being provided in either flange, on either side of anorifice plate (see FIG. 3D). Ports are provided at an exterior surfaceof the flanges 4 for connection to the tapping connectors 50. Asdescribed above, these ports may be misaligned to some extent.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the modular connection assemblyis supported on the pipeline 2 by means of collars 28 through which thetapping connectors 50 extend to port with the flanges 4, and a series ofbolts 26, which can be tightened against the outer surfaces of theflanges 4. Note that in FIG. 3D, additional bolts 42 are present toprovide additional stability.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the modular connection assembly in thisexample includes a connection module 20 to which there is connected anintermediate module 34. The intermediate module 34 includes manifoldingin its interior for providing fluid communication between the outlets 32of the manifold section 30 and an instrument (see FIG. 3C), which can bemounted on a receiving space 40 of the intermediate module 34. To thisend, the intermediate module 34 includes outlets 38 which correspond tothe outlets 32 of the manifold section 30. The intermediate module 34includes a number of valves, which can be operated by means ofcorresponding levers 36 provided on the exterior of the intermediatemodule 34. Fluid flow within the intermediate module 34 can thereby beregulated.

FIG. 3C shows the modular connection assembly with an instrument 49connected to the receiving port 40 of the intermediate module. Asdescribed above in other examples, the intermediate module 34 can beomitted, and an instrument 49 can be connected directly to a connectionmodule such as connection module 20.

By providing a modular connection assembly, replacement and ormaintenance of the various components is made easier since, for example,modules are readily replaced. Furthermore, to carry out a differentmeasurement on the pipeline, it is necessary merely to replace theinstrument 49 with another instrument for carrying out the appropriatemeasurement.

A modular connection assembly in accordance with an embodiment of thisinvention can reduce connection and disconnection times, therebyreducing the time and effort required for interchanging differentinstruments and/or for removing instruments so that maintenance can becarried out.

As described above, the connection module 20 of the modular connectionassembly includes two tapping connectors 50. The tapping connectors 50generally comprise a tubular connection which can be attached to a portin a surface of a fluid container. For example, in FIGS. 3A to 3D, themodular connection assembly is shown to be connected to the flanges 4,pipeline 2 using the tapping connectors 50 of the connection module 20.

In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, the tappingconnectors 50 are jointed, thereby providing the tapping connectors 50with one or more degrees of freedom for movement. In this way,misalignment of the ports in a fluid container to which the tappingconnectors 50 are intended to be connected can be corrected for byadjusting an orientation of the tapping connectors 50.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a jointed tappingconnector can be provided which allows for rotational and translational(lateral) movement. In accordance with another embodiment of theinvention, a jointed tapping connector can be provided which allows formovement of the connector toward and away from the fluid container(these kinds of movements are referred to hereinafter as longitudinalmovements since they are substantially parallel to an elongate portionof the tapping connector). A connection module can include one or bothtypes of jointed taping connector. Where both kinds of jointed tappingconnector are provided, their combined movements can allow for acombination of rotational, translational and longitudinal misalignmentsto be corrected for when connecting to a fluid container.

A first example of a jointed tapping connector 50 is described below inrelation to FIGS. 4 to 8.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a jointed tapping connector 50.In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the jointed tappingconnector can be provided with a ball joint, allowing the jointedtapping connector 50 to pivot with two rotational degrees of freedom.Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, morethan one ball joint can be provided to give further flexibility for thejointed tapping connector. One such example of a jointed tappingconnector 50 is shown in FIG. 4, in which the jointed tapping connector50 includes two ball joints. It is envisaged that more than two balljoints can be provided in accordance with system requirements withregard to flexibility.

In FIG. 4, the jointed tapping connector 50 is shown to be connected tothe manifold section 30 of a connection module 20. The jointed tappingconnector 50 includes an elongate portion 51 and a swivel jointcomponent 56. The swivel joint component 56 is located intermediate theelongate portion 51 and the manifold section 30. The swivel jointcomponent 56 is jointed to the manifold section 30 with a ball joint58A. The swivel joint component 56 is also jointed to the elongateportion 51 with a ball joint 58B. Accordingly, the swivel jointcomponent provides a double ball joint connection between the manifoldsection 30 and the elongate portion 51.

In use, fluid tapped from a fluid container by the tapping connector 50passes through apertures 53 and 55, which are provided in the elongateportion 51 and the swivel joint component 56, respectively, to flow fromthe fluid container into the manifold section 30 of the connectionmodule 20 in the direction shown generally by the arrows labelled 82 inFIG. 4. In order to provide a water-tight seal around the ball joints58A and 58B, seals 54A and 54B can be provided for the respective balljoints 58A and 58B. These seals can, for example, be in the form of arubber O-ring or a compressible gasket. Also, in the example shown inFIG. 4, a retaining ring 52 is provided between the manifold section 30and the swivel joint component 56 in the vicinity of the ball joint 58A.The purpose of the retaining ring 52 is to retain the swivel jointcomponents within the corresponding section of the manifold section 30,thereby to ensure the integrity of the ball joint 58A.

As will be described below, the provision of one or more ball joints fora tapping connector 50 constitutes one example of how a jointed tappingconnector can be afforded one or more degrees of freedom (e.g.rotational and/or translational). In the example shown in FIG. 4, theelongate portion 51 of the jointed tapping connector 50 extends throughan aperture provided in the collar 28. As described in relation to FIG.3, the sleeves provide support for the connection module 20 by allowingbolts such as the bolts 26 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to be tightenedagainst an outer surface of a fluid container.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the connection module 20 is providedwith a positioning ring 80. The positioning ring 80 is supported withinthe collar 28. Another view of the positioning ring 80 is shown in FIG.5. From FIG. 5, it can be seen that the positioning ring can include twohalves 81A and 81B, which come together to define a slot 83. The slot 83provides an aperture through which the elongate portion 51 of thejointed tapping connector 50 can pass. The positioning ring serves toapply a compressive force against the elongate portion 51 for retainingthe elongate portion 51 in its chosen position after orientation asdiscussed below.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show examples of the degrees of freedom which are availableto a jointed tapping connector, which includes a double ball jointconnection as indicated above.

The provision of a jointed tapping connector 50 which has a single balljoint allows rotational movements of the jointed tapping connector 50(or, for example, of an elongate portion of the jointed tappingconnector such as the elongate portion 51 shown in Figures).

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, provision of a double ball jointedtapping connector 50 affords translational as well as rotational degreesof freedom for the tapping connector (elongate portion 51).

In FIG. 6, it is illustrated that the double ball jointed connectionallows translational movement of the elongate portion 51. Thetranslational movement is provided by rotation of the swivel jointcomponent 56 between the manifold section 30 and the elongate portion51. In FIG. 6, the centre line of the inlet of the manifold of section30 is indicated by the line labelled 60. The centre line of the elongateportion 51 is indicated by the line 62. In the position of the elongateportion 51 shown in FIG. 6, the centre line 62 does not coincide withthe centre line 60 as it would were the swivel joint component in anunrelated state. This demonstrates that rotation of the swivel jointcomponent 56 between the manifold section 30 and the elongate portion 51allows for translational movement of the elongate portion 51 relative tothe manifold section 30. It will be appreciated that since the swiveljoint component 56 can rotate in two rotational directions (clockwiseand anti-clockwise as shown in FIG. 6, as well as clockwise andanti-clockwise in the plane perpendicular to the page), translationalmovement of the elongate portion 51 relative to the manifold section 30is possible in two orthogonal linear directions (these correspond to thedirections x and y illustrated in FIG. 1).

Translational movement of this kind allows for translationalmis-orientations of the ports provided on a fluid container to becorrected for.

In FIG. 7, it is shown that rotation of the swivel joint component 56 inconjunction with rotation of the elongate portion 51 can provide for tworotational degrees of freedom for the elongate portion 51. It will benoted that rotational movement of this kind can be combined withtranslational movement of the kind described in FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, thecentre line of the inlet of the manifold section 30 is shown by the line60, while the centre line of the elongate portion 51 of the jointedtapping connector 50 is shown by the line 64. This illustrates that theelongate portion 51 is rotated with respect to the manifold section 30.

This rotational movement allows for rotational misalignments of theports in a fluid container to be corrected for when connecting aconnection module to the fluid container.

It will be appreciated that rotational movement of this kind can beprovided in more than one rotational direction. This is illustrated byFIGS. 8A and 8B. In FIGS. 8A and 8B the elongate portion 51 has beenrotationally re-aligned with respect to the manifold section 30 in twodimensions. The degree of rotation in one of those dimensions can bededuced from the rotation of the centre line 64A of the elongate portion51 relative to the centre line 60 of the manifold section 30 shown inFIG. 8A. The degree of rotation in the other rotational direction can bededuced from the degree of rotation between the centre line 60 and thecentre line 60 of the elongate portion 51, which is labelled 64b in FIG.8B.

Combinations of translational (lateral) and rotational movement can beused to account for and correct for misalignments in the ports providedin fluid containers as described above.

Returning now to FIG. 4, to connect the connection module 20 to a fluidcontainer, the jointed tapping connector 50 is aligned appropriatelywith respect to a port of the fluid container. The elongate portion 51is then attached to the port. This can be done, for example, using ascrew thread attachment or by welding. In order to retain the jointedtapping connector in its correct orientation, pressure is applied to theelongate portion 51 by means of the positioning ring 80 and sleeves 28.Once the elongate portion 51 has been attached to the port of the fluidcontainer (e.g. pipeline 2), bolts 22 are tightened. This causes anupper edge of the positioning ring 80 to urge against a slot which canbe provided in the elongate section 51, thereby to push the elongatesection inwards and towards the manifold section 30. This compresses theseals 54A and 54B, thereby providing a fluid-tight connection betweenthe manifold section 30, the swivel joint components 56, and theelongate portion 51. This also serves to retain the swivel jointcomponent 56 and elongate portion 51 in their correct orientation.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A, it will be appreciated that, in thisexample, access to the nuts 22 for tightening and untightening the balljoints is only available when the intermediate module 34 is disconnectedfrom the manifold section 30. As will be described below, the safetyfeatures of a connector described herein can prevent inadvertentdisconnection between modules such as the intermediate module 34 and themanifold section 30. Accordingly, these safety features can preventaccess to the nuts 22, thereby inhibiting inadvertent disengagement ofthe elongate portion 51.

As described above, and as shown in FIG. 3D, additional bolts 42 can beprovided to provide lateral stability for the modular connectionassembly. These are provided on members which extend outwardly from themanifold section 30. As described above, this has the benefit ofproviding additional support for the modular connection assembly. Thisis especially useful where the additional weight of an intermediatemodule 34 and a potentially heavy instrument is present.

Another example of a jointed tapping connector is now described inrelation to FIG. 9. This kind of jointed tapping connector is slideablyjointed, and can allow for longitudinal misalignments to be correctedfor, when attaching a connection module to a fluid container.

The jointed tapping connector includes an elongate portion 151, whichextends away from the manifold section 30 for connection to a fluidcontainer. As described below, the elongate portion is moveable back andforth along a longitudinal direction indicated by the arrows labelled Aand B in FIG. 9. The elongate portion 151 includes an aperture 153,through which fluid can flow from a fluid container into the manifoldsection 30 along the direction shown by the arrows labelled 182 in FIG.9.

The elongate portion 151 extends through a collar 28. A nut 180 can alsobe rotationally mounted within the collar 28. The nut 180 can include ascrew thread, and a corresponding screw thread can be provided on theelongate portion 151. The screw threads are shown generally at 184 inFIG. 9.

The tapping connector can also include means such as an interference fit160, which can form a seal between the elongate portion 151 and themanifold section 30.

To connect the manifold section 30 to a fluid container, the manifoldsection 30 is positioned over a port in the fluid container such thatthe elongate member 151 engages with the port. In this position, asdescribed above in relation to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the manifold section 30and any further components attached thereto (for example, an instrument)can be supported against an outer surface of a fluid container by meansof the collar 28 and a series of bolts 26 and additional bolts 42.

Since the elongate portion 151 is slideably moveable relative to theconnection module in the directions shown by arrows A and B, once themanifold section 30 has been manoeuvred into the desired position,relative movement of the elongate portion 151 with respect to themanifold section 30 can be used to correct for longitudinalmisalignments in the port of the fluid container.

Once the elongate portion 151 is in the desired position for forming atapping connection with the fluid container, a seal can be formedbetween the elongate portion 151 and the manifold section 30. This canbe achieved by clamping the collar 28 toward the manifold section 30using a large screw thread arrangement or bolts such as bolts 22 (FIG.2). When such bolts are tightened, this has the effect of pushing acompression sleeve 190 onto the compression fitting 160. This in turncauses the compression fitting 160 to apply a compression force inwardlyagainst the elongate portion 151, as represented by the arrows labelledC and D in FIG. 9. Additionally, the compression fitting 160 pressesagainst the connection module at 186. Thus, a seal is formed whichprohibits leakage of fluid from the aperture 153.

To reduce the load which is applied to the compression fitting 160, thenut 180 can be tightened onto the screw thread of the elongate portion151. When screwed in place, the nut 180 fixes the elongate portion inplace and urges against the collar 28, thereby preventing too great aload being applied to the compression fitting where it meets theconnection module at 186.

Thus there has been described a slideably jointed tapping connectorwhich can be used to account for and correct for longitudinalmisalignments between the ports provided in fluid containers asdescribed above.

In some examples, a connection module with only a single tappingconnector may be required. In accordance with an embodiment of thisinvention, this tapping connector would be a jointed tapping connectorsuch as that described above.

In other examples, more than one tapping connector can be provided in aconnection assembly. For example, a fixed tapping connector and ajointed tapping connector can be provided. Alternatively, more than onejointed tapping connector can be provided. For example, two rotatable/translatable connectors or two slideably jointed tappingconnectors can be provided. In another example, combinations ofdifferent types of jointed tapping connectors can be provided (forexample, one rota table/translatable connector and one slideably jointedtapping connector). This combination can allow different types ofmisalignment to be corrected for in a single manifold section 30.

In the embodiments described above in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3, theconnection assembly includes two tapping connectors. In that example,both tapping connectors can be jointed tapping connectors of the kinddescribed in relation to FIGS. 4 to 9. In other examples, one of thetapping connectors can be a fixed tapping connector, and the othertapping connector can be a jointed tapping connector. In this way,misalignment between two ports can be accounted for by installing thefixed tapping connector into one of the ports and then realigning thejointed tapping connector to account for any misalignment of the ports.As described above, it will be appreciated that using combinations offixed and jointed tapping connectors in this way can be used inconnection assemblies comprising more than two tapping connectors.

With reference to FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that using a connectionmodule including two jointed tapping connectors, one being a slideabletapping connector as described in relation to FIG. 9, and the otherbeing a rotational/translational as described in relation to FIGS. 4 to8, misalignments of the two flanges 4 in the x, y and z direction aswell as in the rotational directions θ_(x), θ_(y) and θ_(z) can all beaccounted for. A connection module 20 of the kind shown in FIGS. 2 and3, which includes two jointed tapping connectors, can include onetapping connector of each type. Installation of such a connection module20 will now be described with continued reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

To connect a connection module 20 including the two kinds of jointedtapping connector to a fluid conduit, the connection module 20 is firstpositioned over ports which are provided in the fluid container. At thisstage, the elongate portion 151 of the slideably mounted jointed tappingconnector can be manoeuvred into place and engaged with a first port ofthe fluid container. The elongate portion 51 of therotatable/translatable connector can be loosely positioned forsubsequent engagement with another port of the fluid container.

The compression fitting 160 of the slideably jointed tapping connectorcan then be sealed as described in relation to FIG. 9, by upwardcompression of the collar 28 and compression collar 190 and tighteningof the nut 180.

After positioning, engagement and sealing of the slideably jointedtapping connector, the rotatable/translatable tapping connector can beconnected to the second port of the fluid container. It will beappreciated that at this stage, the slideable movement of the slideablyjointed tapping connector allows correct positioning of therotatable/translatable tapping connector to account for any longitudinalmisalignment (see, for example, the z-direction indicated in FIG. 1)between the two ports of the fluid container.

The elongate member 51 of the rotatable/translatable tapping connectorcan then be positioned as described in relation to FIG. 6 to 8 above, toaccount for any rotational/translational misalignments between the twoports. Once in position, the rotatable/translatable tapping connectorcan be sealed as described in relation to FIG. 4 by compression of thecollar 28 and positioning ring 80 toward the connection module 20.Finally, the bolts 26 and 42 can be adjusted if so desired.

It will be appreciated that the connection process is simple to perform,and can be completed very quickly (for example, less than a minute).Disconnection of the connection module 20 from the fluid container isequally fast. This is in contrast to the older, cumbersome connectionsystems described above, which take far longer to connect anddisconnect.

Accordingly, there has been described a connection module for connectinginstrumentation equipment (for example, a measuring instrument) to afluid container such as a pipeline. The connection module includes oneor more jointed tapping connectors. The jointed tapping connector allowsmisalignments to be accounted for when connecting a connection moduleof, for example, a modular connection assembly to a fluid container.

Embodiments of this invention also provide a connector. The connectorcan be used for connecting together two objects. In the examplesdescribed herein, these objects can be modules of a modular connectionassembly. The connector as described herein allows separate objects suchas modules in the modular connection assembly to be connected andunconnected in a manner which is swift, convenient and robust.

An example of the connector is described below in relation to FIGS. 10to 13.

FIG. 10 shows a first view of a connection system in accordance with anembodiment of this invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the connection systemincludes a connector 100 and a corresponding connector 110. In FIG. 10,the connector 100 and corresponding connector 110 are shown in theirunconnected states.

As used herein, the terms “connector” and “corresponding connector” areinterchangeable in so far as each connector in the connection systemcorresponds to the other connector in the connection system.

As can be seen from FIG. 10, the corresponding connector 110 includes ahook portion 112. The hook portion 112 is configured to hook onto aformation 102, which is provided on the connector 100. The correspondingconnector 110 includes first and second jaws 113 and 114. The hookportion 112 is comprised in the first jaw 113. The correspondingconnector 110 also includes a receiving space 116, which is locatedsubstantially in between the first and second jaws 113 and 114. Thereceiving space is configured (e.g. in terms of size and shape) toreceive a protruded portion 101 of the connector 100.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the connector 100 includes an opening104. The opening 104 is configured to receive a locking number which canextend slideably from the second jaw 114 of the corresponding connector110. As will be described below in more detail, this arrangement can besubstantially reversed, whereby an opening can be provided in the secondjaw 114 of the corresponding connector 110, thereby to slideably toreceive a locking member which protrudes from the protruded portion 101of the connector 100.

FIG. 11 shows how the connector 100 and the corresponding connector 110can be connected together.

As shown in FIG. 11, to connect the connector 100 to the correspondingconnector 110, the hook portion 112 of the corresponding connector 110can first be hooked onto or engaged with the formation 102 provided inthe protruded portion 101 of the connector 100. Once the hook portion112 has been hooked onto the formation 102, the corresponding connector110 can be pivoted as indicated by the arrow labelled 102 in FIG. 11,whereby the second jaw 114 can engage with a bottom portion of theprotruded portion 101 of the connector 100. As the lower jaw member 114of the connector 110 passes along the lower portion of the protrudedportion 101, the locking member, provided either in protruded portion101 or in the second jaw member 114, can slideably engage with anopening provided in either the lower jaw member 114 or in the protrudedportion 101, respectively.

FIG. 12 shows the connection system in a connected state, with theconnector 100 connected to the corresponding connector 110. In theconnected state, the hooked portion is hooked onto the formation 102,and a locking mechanism, shown generally at 105 is engaged. As indicatedabove, this can involve a locking member being slideably received in anopening. The opening and the locking member can be provided in theprotruded portion and second jaw member 114, respectively, or viceversa.

In FIG. 13 it is shown that a locking member 118 can be slideablyreceived (in a direction indicated by the arrow) from the second jawmember 114 into an opening 104 provided in the protruded portion 101 ofthe connector 100.

The connector as described above can be incorporated into the modules ofa modular connection assembly to provide means by which the modules ofthe assembly can be connected together. The hooking and pivoting motionwhich is required for connecting the two modules together using theseconnectors is simple to perform and requires no special tools. Todisconnect the connectors, it is necessary to disengage the lockingmember 118 and then pivot the corresponding connector 110 in a directionsubstantially opposite to the direction as shown by the arrow 112 inFIG. 10, followed by unhooking of the hook portion 112 from theformation 102.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an example of a connection system which isincorporated into the modules of a modular connection assembly. In thisexample, the connector 100 is provided in a connection module 20 of thekind described above in relation to FIGS. 3A to 3C. The correspondingconnector 110 is incorporated into an intermediate module 34 of the kinddescribed above in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 14, the connectionsystem is shown in its connected state, whereby the connection module 20is connected to the intermediate module 34 and in this view withconnector 100 is on the right and corresponding connector 110 is on theleft.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, a locking member 118 is providedsubstantially within an aperture 124 in the protruded portion 102 of theconnector 100. The locking member 118 is slideably mounted within theaperture. The locking member in this example is biased to protrude outof the aperture 124 by a biasing element 126. The biasing element 126is, in this example, a helical biasing spring 126, although otherbiasing means could be employed (e.g. leaf spring).

As is shown in FIG. 14, the locking member 118 is biased to protrude outof the aperture 124 and into an opening 104, which is provided in thesecond jaw 114. In this example, a stopping member 130 can be providedin the protruded portion 102 of the connector 100. The stopping member130 extends into the aperture 124. In this example, the locking member118 includes a slot within which the stopping member 130 is received.Accordingly, the locking member 118 in this example is slideably mountedon the stopping member 130.

To connect the connector 100 to the corresponding connector 110, thesteps described above in relation to FIGS. 10 to 13 can be performed. Anexample of how the connectors can be disconnected is now described inrelation to FIGS. 14 and 15.

To disconnect the connector 100 from the connector 110 it is necessaryto disengage the locking member 118. To do this, the locking member 118can be withdrawn into the aperture 124 and out of the opening 104 in thesecond jaw 114. To do so, a threaded tool can be inserted into theaperture 124 at an end of the aperture 124 opposite where the lockingmember 118 protrudes from the aperture 124. The end of the lockingmember 118 distal the second jaw 114 includes an opening 128 which isthreaded with a thread which corresponds to the thread of the threadedtool. To withdraw the locking member 118 into the aperture 114, thethreaded member is screwed into the opening 128 until it abuts thestopping member 130. Then, the user continues to rotate the threadedtool such that the locking member 118 rides up along the thread of thethreaded tool, thereby withdrawing the locking member 118 into theaperture 124. Note that this withdrawing of the locking member 118 intothe aperture 124 is resiliently opposed by the biasing spring 126. Oncethe locking member 118 has been sufficiently withdrawn such that it isno longer engaged with the opening 104 of the second jaw 114, thecorresponding connector 110 can be pivoted and unhooked from theconnector 100 substantially as described above.

The example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes a safety mechanism forpreventing the connection system from being disconnected while thevalves in the connection module 20 are open. The safety mechanismincludes a slideable member 120 which is received in a slot 123 in theconnection module 20. The slideable member 120 can be biased with abiasing element such a helical spring 121. When the slideable member 120protrudes from the slot 123, it covers the aperture 124. When connectingthe connector 100 to the corresponding connector 110, the slideablemember 120 is pulled back from the aperture 124. This pulling back canbe achieved by means of a handle 122 which protrudes from a side of themanifold section 30. It should be noted that in this example, the handle122 is receivable within grooves 140 which are provided within thelevers 24. However, these grooves are orientated within the levers 24such that the grooves only align with the handle 122 when the levers 24are positioned such that the corresponding valves within the manifoldsection 30 are in their closed position. Accordingly, movement of theslideable member 120 using the handle 122 is only achievable when thevalves in the connection module are closed. Accordingly, it is notpossible to achieve access to the aperture 124 in the connector 100 forinserting a threaded tool to disconnect the connector 100 from thecorresponding connector 110, unless the valves in the manifold section30 are closed. Accordingly, disconnection of the connection module 20and the intermediate module 34 while the valves of the connection module20 are open is prevented.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the movement of the levers 24 and handle122 for disconnecting the connection module 20 and the intermediatemodule 34. In FIG. 16A, the levers 24 are in their “open” position toallow fluid to flow through the connection assembly. The grooves 140 areshown not to be aligned with the handle 122 while the levers 24 are inthis position. By rotating the levers 24 in the directions shown by thearrows labelled B in FIG. 16A, valves in the manifold section 30 areclosed to block fluid flow through the assembly. As shown in FIG. 16B,when the levers 24 are in their “closed” position, the grooves 24 alignto allow movement of the handle 122 in the direction indicated in FIG.16B by the arrows labelled A. As described above, movement of the handle122 in this manner pulls back the slideable member 120, allowing accessfor inserting a tool to withdraw the locking member 118.

In other examples of a connection system, the locking member 118 can beactuated by means other than a biasing element such as the helicalspring 126. Accordingly, the locking member could be actuated byelectrical or other means.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the second jaw 114 is provided with anindicator portion 132. An end 134 of the indicated portion can bebrightly coloured so that it is clearly visible when it protrudes fromthe opening 104 of the second jaw 114. The indicator portion 132 isslideably mounted substantially within the opening 104. In this example,the indicator portion 132 is biased by means of a biasing element suchas a helical spring 136 to remain within the opening 104. When thelocking member 118 is slideably received in the opening 104, however, itabuts the indicator portion 132 and urges the indicator portion outwardfrom the opening 104. When the indicator portion emerges from theopening 104, this can be taken as an indication that the locking member118 is correctly received within the opening 104, thereby providing anindication that a good connection has been achieved.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a further example of a safety feature whichcan be incorporated in to a connector in accordance with an embodimentof this invention. In this example, a safety mechanism is provided whichis similar in some aspects to the safety mechanism described above inrelation to FIGS. 14 to 16. In addition to preventing inadvertentremoval of, for example, a intermediate module 34 while the levers 24 ofa manifold section 30 are in their open position, the mechanism shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 also prevents inadvertent opening of the levers 24while, for example, an intermediate module 34 is not connected to themanifold section 30. This prevents fluid from being inadvertentlyreleased until the manifold section is replaced. While the example ofconnection between an intermediate module 34 and a manifold section 30is used here, it will be appreciated that a safety mechanism of thiskind could be applied for connections between other kinds of module in amodular connection assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the safety mechanism includes aslideable member 120 biased by a biasing element such as a helicalspring 121, a handle 122 and levers 24 which include alignment groovesas described above in relation to FIGS. 14 to 16. Additionally, themechanism includes a first pin 200 and a second pin 204. The first pin200 is located in a slot in the connector 100 and is biased outwardlyfrom the slot by a biasing element 202. The second pin 204 is biasedagainst an upper edge of the first pin 200 by a biasing element 206. Inthis example, the slideable member 120 includes two grooves shown at210, with which the second pin 204 can engage to prevent slidingmovement of the slideable member 120 (this is illustrated in FIG. 18).The first pin 200 also includes a groove 212 with which the second pin204 can engage (this is illustrated in FIG. 17).

FIG. 17 shows the connectors 100 and 110 in their connected position. Inthe position, the connector 110 forces the first pin 200 back into theconnector 100, against the bias of the biasing element 202. In thisposition, the groove 212 of the first pin 200 aligns with the second pin204, and the second pin 204 is pressed into the groove 212 under thebias of the biasing element 206. While the second pin 204 is held in thegroove 212 of the first pin 200, the second pin does not occupy a groove210 of the slideable member 120, and the slideable member 120 is free tomove, as long as the grooves of the levers 24 are correctly aligned withthe handle 122 as described above.

When the connector 110 is disconnected from the connector 100, forexample as described in relation to FIG. 14 to 16, the first pin 200 ispushed outward from the connector 100, to a position shown in FIG. 18.It should be noted that when disconnection occurs, the slideable memberwill generally be in a withdrawn position having just allowed access tothe aperture 124 for insertion of a tool to withdraw the locking member118. As the first pin 200 is pushed out from the connector 100, thesecond pin is pushed out of the groove 212 against the bias of thebiasing element 206. This pushes the second pin 204 into one of thegrooves 210 of the slideable member 120. While the second pin 204occupies the groove 210 as illustrated in FIG. 18, the slideable memberand therefore the handle 122 cannot move back and forth. This in turnprevents the levers 24 from being moved to their open position, sincethis movement is blocked by the handle 122, which occupies the grooves140 of the levers 24 (see FIGS. 16A and 16B). Thus, while the connector100 and connector 110 are disconnected, the levers 24 cannot be movedand the valves controlled by the levers 24 cannot be opened.

When the connector 110 is reconnected to the connector 100, the firstpin is forced back into the connector 100, realigning the groove 212with the second pin 204. The second pin re-enters the groove 212,thereby allowing the slideable member and handle 122 to be moved. Oncethe handle 122 is removed from the grooves 140, the levers 24 can beoperated to open the valves which they control.

Thus there has been described a safety feature which preventsinadvertent operation of the levers, while the connectors 100 and 110are disconnected.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described, itwill be appreciated that many modifications/additions and/orsubstitutions may be made within the scope of the claimed invention.

1. A system for connecting a secondary module to a structure having aport, the system comprising: a tapping connector extending along acentral axis from a first end portion attachable in fluid communicationto the port of the structure and to a second end portion; and a primarymodule attachable in fluid communication to the second end portion ofthe tapping connector, the secondary module being mountable on theprimary module in fluid communication with the tapping connector,whereby the tapping connector second end portion forms at least onejoint with the primary module allowing for the primary module to bemoved while attached to the second end of the tapping connector one ormore of laterally, longitudinally, or rotationally relative to the axisof the tapping connector.
 2. The system of claim 1 comprising a firstand a second said tapping connector, the primary module being attachablein fluid communication to the second end portion of each of the firstand the second tapping connector, and the second end portion of each ofthe first and the second tapping connector forming at least one jointwith the primary module allowing for the primary module to be movedwhile attached to the second end portion of each of the first and thesecond tapping connector one or more of laterally, longitudinally, orrotationally relative to the axis of each of the first and the secondtapping connector.
 3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a collarreceivable over the tapping connector second end portion for supportingthe primary module on the structure, the collar being attachable to thetapping connector and the primary module being attachable to the collar.4. The system of claim 3 wherein the collar comprises a foot portionsupportable on the structure and a boss portion upstanding away from thefoot portion, the primary module being attachable to the boss portion ofthe collar.
 5. The system of claim 3 further comprising a retainersupported within the collar for fastening the collar to the tappingconnector.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the tapping connector secondend portion has threads and wherein the retainer is a nut which istightenable onto the threads.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein thetapping connector second end portion has a slot and wherein the retaineris a ring which is receivable in the slot.
 8. The system of claim 1wherein the tapping connector second end portion forms a ball joint withthe primary module, the primary module being rotatable on the balljoint.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the tapping connector second endportion forms a first and a second ball joint with the primary module,the primary module being rotatable on the first and the second balljoint.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein: the primary module isslideably movable on the on the tapping connection second end portion;and the tapping connector second end portion forms an interference fitjoint with the primary module.
 11. An assembly for connection to astructure having a port, the assembly comprising: a tapping connectorextending along a central axis from a first end portion attachable influid communication to the port of the structure and to a second endportion; a primary module attachable in fluid communication to thesecond end portion of the tapping connector; and a secondary modulemountable on the primary module in fluid communication with the tappingconnector, whereby the tapping connector second end portion forms atleast one joint with the primary module allowing for the primary modulewhile attached to the second end of the tapping connector to be movedone or more of laterally, longitudinally, or rotationally relative tothe axis of the tapping connector.
 12. The assembly of claim 11comprising a first and a second said tapping connector, the primarymodule being attachable in fluid communication to the second end portionof each of the first and the second tapping connector, and the secondend portion of each of the first and the second tapping connectorforming at least one joint with the primary module allowing for theprimary module while attached to the second end portion of each of thefirst and the second tapping connector to be moved one or more oflaterally, longitudinally, or rotationally relative to the axis of eachof the first and the second tapping connector.
 13. The assembly of claim11 further comprising a collar receivable over the tapping connectorsecond end portion for supporting the primary module on the structure,the collar being attachable to the tapping connector and the primarymodule.
 14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein the collar comprises a footportion supportable on the structure and a boss portion upstanding awayfrom the foot portion, the primary module being attachable to the bossportion of the collar.
 15. The assembly of claim 13 further comprising aretainer supported within the collar, the retainer being manipulable tofasten the collar to the tapping connector.
 16. The assembly of claim 15wherein the tapping connector second end portion has threads and whereinthe retainer is a nut which is tightenable onto the threads.
 17. Theassembly of claim 15 wherein the tapping connector second end portionhas a slot and wherein the retainer is a ring which is receivable in theslot.
 18. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the tapping connector secondend portion forms a ball joint with the primary module, the primarymodule being rotatable on the ball joint.
 19. The assembly of claim 11wherein the tapping connector second end portion forms a first and asecond ball joint with the primary module, the primary module beingrotatable on the first and the second ball joint.
 20. The assembly ofclaim 11 wherein: the primary module has a proximal end attachable tothe tapping connector and a distal end formed as having a slot therein;and the secondary module is provided as having a hook portion configuredto be receivable within the slot for mounting the secondary module onthe primary module.
 21. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising alocking member received within an aperture provided in the primarymodule, the locking member being slideable into a corresponding openingof the secondary module to lock the primary and secondary modulestogether when the secondary module is mounted on the primary module. 22.The assembly of claim 21 wherein the secondary module has an indicatordisposed within the opening, a portion of the indicator being displacedfrom the opening by the sliding of the locking member into the openingto thereby indicate that the locking member has been received in theopening locking the primary and secondary modules together.
 23. Theassembly of claim 21 wherein the locking member has a threaded portionfor receiving a threaded tool, whereby rotation of the tool withdrawsthe locking member into the aperture to thereby unlock the primary andsecondary modules.
 24. The assembly of claim 21 wherein the primarymodule includes one or more valves, and wherein the locking member whenreceived in the opening locking the primary and secondary modulestogether is interconnected with the valves such that locking member canbe withdrawn into the aperture to unlock the modules only when thevalves are closed.
 25. A method of connecting an assembly to a structurehaving a port, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing atapping connector extending along a central axis from a first endportion to a second end portion; (b) attaching the second end portion ofthe tapping connector in fluid communication to the port; (c) attachinga primary module in fluid communication to the second end portion of thetapping connector, whereby the tapping connector second end portionforms at least one joint with the primary module; and (d) moving theprimary module through the joint one or more of laterally,longitudinally, or rotationally relative to the axis of the tappingconnector.
 26. The method of claim 25 further comprising the additionalstep after step (d) of: (e) mounting a secondary module mountable on theprimary module in fluid communication with the tapping connector. 27.The method of claim 25 wherein: a first and a second said tappingconnector is provided in step (a); the primary module is attached instep (b) in fluid communication to the second end portion of each of thefirst and the second tapping connector, the second end portion of eachof the first and the second tapping connector forming at least one jointwith the primary module; and the primary module is moved in step (d)through each joint.
 28. The method of claim 25 further comprising theadditional step prior to step (c) of receiving a collar receivable overthe tapping connector second end portion, the collar supporting theprimary module on the structure.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein thecollar comprises a foot portion supported on the structure and a bossportion upstanding away from the foot portion, the method furthercomprising the additional step prior to the additional step of claim 28of: attaching the primary module to the boss portion of the collar. 30.The method of claim 28 wherein the collar has a retainer supportedtherein, the method further comprising the additional step of:manipulating the retainer after the collar has been received over thetapping connector second end portion to fasten the collar to the tappingconnector.
 31. The method of claim 30 wherein: the tapping connectorsecond end portion has threads; the retainer is a nut which is tightenedonto the threads.
 32. The method of claim 30 wherein: the tappingconnector second end portion has a slot; and the retainer is a ringwhich is received in the slot.
 33. The method of claim 25 wherein: thetapping connector second end portion forms a ball joint with the primarymodule in step (c); and the primary module is rotatable in step (d) onthe ball joint.
 34. The method of claim 25 wherein: the tappingconnector second end portion forms a first and a second ball joint withthe primary module in step (c); and the primary module is rotatable instep (d) on the first and the second ball joint.
 35. The method of claim26 wherein: a proximal end of primary module is attached to the tappingconnector in step (c); and the secondary module is mounted on theprimary module in step (e) by engaging a hook portion of the secondarymodule with a corresponding slot provided in a distal end of the primarymodule.
 36. The method of claim 26 wherein: a locking member receivedwithin an aperture provided in the primary module is slideably movedinto a corresponding opening of the secondary module to lock the primaryand secondary modules together when the secondary module is mounted instep (e) on the primary module.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein thesecondary module has an indicator disposed within the opening, a portionof the indicator being displaced from the opening by the sliding of thelocking member into the opening to thereby indicate that the lockingmember has been received in the opening locking the primary andsecondary modules together.
 38. The method of claim 36 wherein thelocking member has a threaded portion for receiving a threaded tool, themethod further comprising the additional steps after step (e) of: (f)engaging the threaded portion of the locking member with the threadedtool; and (g) rotating the tool to withdraw the locking member into theaperture and thereby unlock the primary and secondary modules.
 39. Themethod of claim 36 wherein: the primary module includes one or morevalves, and the locking member when received in the opening locking theprimary and secondary modules together is interconnected with the valvessuch that locking member can be withdrawn into the aperture to unlockthe modules only when the valves are closed.